Here’s the ideal scenario for my favorite day of vacation: I’m reclined, savoring a cocktail, while the background noise includes the subtle hum of a bus passing by. However, instead of lounging on a typical sunbed, I find myself on a sunbed at a beauty salon, with a beautician preparing the waxing treatment. (The cocktail is a non-negotiable part of the experience.)
Am I alone in this sentiment? My name is Cathy, and I am afflicted with holiday anticipation syndrome, a condition that impacts individuals who find more joy in the anticipation of a trip than in the actual journey. For me, the highlight is always the day preceding my departure, filled with exhilarating anticipation of the wonderful experiences that lie ahead. The stress of catching the delayed airport train, bickering over the airplane armrest, and the disappointment of a less-than-expected breakfast buffet are yet to unfold. The day before is pure bliss.
To me, it’s the small pre-holiday rituals that truly feel like acts of self-care: retrieving the sunscreen and insect repellent, selecting outfits to pack, and crafting a cheerful out-of-office message. Even the scheduled bikini wax appointment on the eve of the trip holds a peculiar, albeit painful, significance akin to a Proustian memory.
I am not alone in this sentiment. According to a 2018 study by the travel association Abta, one in four Brits intentionally book their holidays early to prolong the anticipation. Recent research indicates that 22 percent of holidaymakers make reservations between six months and a year in advance, with 5 percent planning more than a year ahead. Data from the Advantage Travel Partnership reveals that UK adults allocate over £200 each for pre-holiday preparations, encompassing wardrobe updates, beauty treatments, and even traditional guidebook purchases — akin to a holiday-themed advent calendar.
Considering the constraints of limited time off and financial resources, there is often pressure for a vacation to exceed expectations. Despite the allure of a relaxing, all-inclusive resort, the reality may not always align with our fantasies.
Psychologist Dr. Sandra Wheatley explains that our fondness for the day before a holiday stems from past disappointments, as the actual experience can fall short of our idealized visions. She notes, “Hope gives way to reality, a common occurrence. Personally, I relish the day before the day before, free from the chaos of last-minute packing, a sentiment more prevalent among mothers who typically shoulder the bulk of the organizational responsibilities in our gendered society.”
I am equally inclined to romanticize the return journey. Somewhere between the final breakfast and the airport check-in, my thoughts drift to the impending laundry duties. The prospect of efficiently sorting through piles of laundry — separating colors, whites, and delicate fabrics, perhaps even a dedicated wash for swimwear — fills me with a sense of satisfaction akin to the pre-holiday excitement seven days prior. Am I alone in finding joy in reviving a bag of sweaty T-shirts and shorts, restoring them to their pristine state?